Concentrating mainly but not exclusively on the Loire's vineyards, its vignerons and their wines along with places to eat and stay. Also covers some recently published wine books – not just from Loire. Regional Chair for Loire @Decanter's World Wine Awards since its inception.
Winner of the 2009 Wine Blog Trophy (journalist category) Salon des Vins de Loire. I have a large and expanding library of photos, particularly from the Loire – places, producers, vineyards etc. European.

2012:Born Digital Wine Awards: No Pay No Jay – best investigative wine story

2012: International Wine Challenge – Personality of the Year Award

Wednesday, 15 January 2014

Tobacco Dock – seeing increased use

Boats in front of Tobacco Dock

Tobacco Dock on Wapping Lane/Porters Walk looks to be becoming a more popular venue for large tastings. I first went there last March for the Real Wine Fair. Yesterday I was back again for the French Wine Discoveries event – some photos and comments from the tasting will be posted separately. The Real Wine Fair will be back in April – 13th and 14th before it hosts the Decanter World Wine Awards judging week as the DWWA has now grown too big for the Worx at Parsons Green, which was the competition's home for its first ten years.

Tobacco Dock is just over 10 minutes walk from the wonderful Lahore Kebab House – great fresh food and BYO with no corkage, so should become a popular venue for DWWA judges to eat after a long day's tasting.

Unfortunately, for local residents the increased anti social behaviour, litter, noise, traffic chaos and derigging noise caused by Tobacco Docks increasingly raucous events is making life a misery. Still, as long as they're making money and providing a service to those who don't live here...

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